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California Region
Mission Advancement Egram
April 29, 2026
| One Heart. One Hope. One Mission. | | |
MESSAGE FROM MISSION ADVANCEMENT
...united by bonds of our faith...
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Dear Friends,
As the calendar turns to the month of May, an entire round of busy-ness is launched. Celebrations galore: Cinco de Mayo, First Communions, Confirmations, Graduations! But the "grandmother of them all" is...Mother's Day. As Sisters of Notre Dame, we cherish our vocation to spiritual motherhood, nurturing, guiding and supporting those entrusted to our care ~ they are our "spiritual children" of sorts.
This egram showcases the variety of SND ministries. In particular, I hope you get a chance to read the spring edition of our SND USA magazine that features our outreach to young adults. The faith life of these young adults--Gen Z (ages 13 to 28) and Millenials (ages 29 to 43)--is absolutely amazing, and their willingness to share their perspective is heart-warming. And as our partners on mission, through your collaboration, prayer and financial support, these young-uns are your spiritual children as well. In the midst of the challenges of our times, we do have reason to rejoice!
As we celebrate Mother's Day, and Father's Day soon after, please know that we care deeply for each of you as our spiritual children. We are united by bonds of our faith ~ may you feel an abundance of God's grace and peace.
Blessings always,
Sr. Lisa Megaffin, S.N.D.
Director of Mission Advancement Services
| | FROM THE CALIFORNIA GRAPEVINE | | |
The Sisters of Notre Dame are pleased to share historic happenings at Notre Dame Academy in West Los Angeles. A recent press release stated that the school community "proudly unveils a refreshed brand identity that reflects the school's unified mission and commitment to preparing students for the future. The updated look integrates NDA's coeducational elementary program, coeducational middle school, and all-girls middle and high school under one cohesive identity, celebrating the strength of the school community while highlighting its forward-thinking approach to education."
For further information, be sure to visit NDA's website.
| | The updated NDA logo features key elements of the school's Catholic identity: faith and innovation, NDA's three educational levels, community & trust and legacy & foundation. | | Current high school faculty members Sr. Donna Appert and Sr. Frances Wahl are shown here with several students. | | |
Mission Moment
Honoring the late Nancy Coonis ~ Educator Extradinoaire
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Nancy Coonis, our dear friend and colleague, passed into eternity unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 8. This is the same day as St. Julie Billiart, spiritual mother of the Sisters of Notre Dame. Many aspects of Nancy's life reveal how she shared St. Julie's desire "to make the good God known and loved."
Leaving her hometown of Sacramento, Nancy attended Occidental College and found her college years to be a time of deep spiritual growth. She participated in a prayer group at St. Dominic’s in Eagle Rock and also taught CCD. In 1975, Sr. Louise Wanamaker hired Nancy to teach religion, English and music at St. Matthias High, and this was her entree into the SND family. Eventually, she became vice-principal and principal of St. Matthias.
Read more.
| | Nancy Coonis with her colleague and friend, the late Sr. Carlann Paganelli | | |
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Mission Moment is a regular column in our monthly egram. We will feature SNDs, Associates, and ministry partners who exemplify the SND spirit and mission. To make suggestions and provide testimonials, please email infoca@sndusa.org.
| | Meet Keith Rosenkranz ~ Wolbring Legacy Society Member | | Following in the footsteps of my mother and my aunt, I graduated from Notre Dame Academy Elementary in Los Angeles. My eighth grade teacher, Sr. Bernadette Pendola, was a great influence on me. The Sisters of Notre Dame are dear to my heart. They provided me with an educational and spiritual foundation that has carried me through life. The work they do here and in Uganda are why I want to provide financial support in the years to come, as well as when I pass. | | | Membership in the Wolbring Legacy Society is offered to individuals who make a charitable gift through their estate plans. Membership may remain anonymous if the donor so chooses. We will be honored to welcome you into the Wolbring Legacy Society, giving us the chance to thank you personally. For further information, contact Sr. Lisa Megaffin or 805-917-3714. And many thanks to all Wolbring Legacy Society members- ~ we carry you in our hearts and in our prayers. | | |
CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS
...living with one heart, one hope, one mission
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Saturday, May 2, 3:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Chaves Family Ranch
Los Angeles
Cinco de May Fundraiser
CALL, the Catholic Association for Latino Leadership, is holding a fundraiser to benefit Catholic education and mission-driven organizations across the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Sr. Shawn Doyle and Sr. Judeen Julier will be providing an SND presence in the exhibits. Follow this link for more information.
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Thursday, May 7, 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
California Lutheran University
Southeast Ventura County
YMCA National Day of Prayer Breakfast
You are invited to be the guests of the SNDs for this powerful occasion, celebrating fellowship and prayer. Our table is filled, but to join the waitlist, please email infoca@sndusa.org by May 4.
And wherever you are, please join us in prayer for peace around the world.
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Friday, May 8 - 5:00 p.m. (Pacific time)
Online
Young Adult Faith Sharing
Join young adults from across the country to reflect and share on the Sunday Gospel on the second Friday of each month. All young adults are welcome. And feel free to share this invitation with any young adult in your life seeking meaningful connections rooted in prayer. To register, contact Sr. Val Roxburgh via email or text to 805-452-9699.
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Saturday and Sunday, June 20 - 21
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
El Monte, California
Mission Co-operative Update and Appeal
The Sisters of Notre Dame are grateful to share our passion for our global missions in various Catholic churches across the United States this summer. We look forward to sharing the impact of your spiritual support and financial generosity. Thank you for joining us in making the good God known and loved! Additional locations and dates will be published in future egrams.
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Saturday, June 27 - 1:00 p.m.
St. Julie Billiart Parish
Newbury Park
Flag Pole Dedication & USA 250th Birthday Extravaganza
To honor the 250th birthday of the USA, St. Julie's is hosting a special celebration from noon until 4:00 p.m. At 1:00 p.m., there will be the blessing of a flagpole and adjoining commemorative wall. The SNDs are proud to support this timeless symbol of our shared faith and patriotism.
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